Profile
Zhixi Zhuang is a Registered Professional Planner and an Associate Professor at the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Toronto Metropolitan University. As the Academic Director of the Toronto Metropolitan Centre for Immigration and Settlement and Founder and Director of DiverCityLab, her research explores the growing urban diversity in Canadian cities and how city-builders can instil the values of equity and inclusion into planning policies and practices. Specifically, she investigates the intersections of individual characteristics and the impacts on lived experiences in cities, and how diversity and differences shape places and communities.
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Aging in Third Places: Creating Community Spaces and Building Social Infrastructure for Senior Immigrants TRS3 2.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2024-09-30 TRS3 2.1 The Impact of Immigrant Entrepreneurship on City Building and Public Policy: Learning from Toronto Toronto’s ethnic retail clusters have not only sprouted across the inner
city but have also speckled suburban landscapes. Driven by the increasing settle-
ment of contemporary immigrants in the suburbs, ethnic businesses and ethnic
economies have flourished and become the catalyst for neighborhood change and
suburban retrofitting. Research has demonstrated that the development of immi-
grant entrepreneurship has contributed to social cohesion and economic vitality.
What remains unexplored is the role of ethnic businesses in influencing space,
(re)defining place, and (re)shaping community. Furthermore, little is known about
how ethnic entrepreneurs interact with other key players in city- and community-
building processes and affect policy development, or vice versa. This chapter explores
eight urban ethnic enclaves in the inner city of Toronto based on existing studies and
eight Chinese and South Asian retail clusters in Toronto’s suburbs through extensive
field research and interviews and surveys with key informants. Case studies reveal the
role of ethnic entrepreneurs as city builders, and also how public policy and institu-
tional structure promote or impede the development of ethnic entrepreneurship. The
findings also point to important differences in urban and suburban settings such as
built forms, physical constraints, and municipal governance and policy frameworks
that may affect the interactions among various key players and spaces.TRS3 2.1, TRS4 1.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2024-08-02 TRS3 2.1, TRS4 1.1 Reshaping essential public spaces and services: towards socio-spatial justice in a post-pandemic era In our last viewpoint article, we illustrated the hidden stories of immigrant suburbs during the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges facing racialised communities. This article delves deeper into intensified social and spatial inequalities by interrogating: what are the ‘essential’ public spaces, places and services that must remain accessible to benefit the settlement, well-being and inclusion of marginalised, racialised, immigrant populations? What engagement approaches effectively include racialised minority groups’ voices in decisions about the future of public space and (sub)urban systems? We emphasise the utility of a socio-spatial justice framework in reimagining and reconfiguring essential public spaces and associated services in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using examples from the Canadian context (i.e. community land trusts, cultural district plans, cultural festivals and food systems), we unpack pillars of distributional, procedural and recognitional justice to interrogate the status quo and illuminate pathways to more inclusive, fair and accessible communities.TRS3 1.1, TRS3 2.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2024-06-24 TRS3 1.1, TRS3 2.1 Diversity our strength? Exploring the influence of power dynamics on shaping suburban ethnic strips and place-making In Canada’s multicultural context, diversity is often celebrated in city branding and promotion, yet, it is not clear what diversity means, to whom, and whether the advantages of urban diversity are well acknowledged to support inclusive place-making. Situated in two of Toronto’s most diverse inner suburbs, this paper explores how diversity and place are perceived, produced, and experienced by local immigrant and racialized communities in obsolete and stigmatized strip mall environments, and how power dynamics are presented and influenced through the place-making process. The findings reveal that, although the population is culturally diverse and immigrants actively contribute to suburban place-making, municipal plans and policies do not prioritize immigrant communities and businesses. This results in ineffective public engagement and a disconnect with the diverse communities, thereby impacting the outcomes of ethnic places. The current city-wide Business Improvement Area program also requires a renewed focus on diversity and inclusion. Without equity and inclusion as fundamental considerations in city planning and engagement processes, there is no guarantee that diversity can be effectively leveraged as an urban asset or strength. This oversight can adversely affect the outcomes of ethnic place-making, a process that aims to empower the relationships between people and place.TRS3 2.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2024-07-24 TRS3 2.1 A Place-based Approach to Understanding Immigrant Retention and Integration in Canadian and American Non-Traditional Gateway Cities: a Scoping Literature Review As globalization and migration have intensified, the need for integrating immigrants has become vital. Considering the similar but distinct policy and political contexts between Canada and the USA, it has become imperative to develop a thorough understanding of the impact of the localization of immigration policies on various immigrant groups and the places that have shaped their settlement and integration experiences. This scoping literature review presents a comparative perspective to enhance our understanding of the varied non-traditional gateway cities in both countries, as well as the place-based integration initiatives and local actors that play crucial roles in shaping immigrants’ lived experiences. The review includes 145 scholarly articles published in English from 2000 onwards that examine immigrant and refugee populations residing in smaller urban, suburban, or rural communities in both countries. It aims to provide a comparative analysis on the following: (1) local place-based initiatives in non-traditional gateway cities; (2) multi-level governance of immigrant integration and the role of municipalities and local actors; and (3) the contributing factors to integration and retention based on immigrants’ lived experiences. The scoping review concludes with research gaps and future directions.TRS3 1.1, TRS3 1.2, TRS3 2.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2023-05-12 TRS3 1.1, TRS3 1.2, TRS3 2.1 Ethnic Diversity, Immigrant Settlement, and Municipal Planning in a Small Canadian City: The Case of Brooks, Alberta Immigration in Canada has been characterized by an uneven distribution, with a
disproportionate concentration of immigrants settling in major gateway cities. Despite numerous
policies and programs developed by various levels of government to attract and retain
immigrants towards smaller cities, less is known about planning for immigrant settlement
through the lived experiences of immigrants in smaller cities. This study explored the
place-based experiences of immigrants living in a smaller city and the municipality’s role in
attraction and retention. Specifically, the questions of inquiry involved: 1) How do racialized
immigrants experience settlement and integration in a smaller Canadian city? 2) What are the
implications of lived experience when planning for diversity? Case study research of Brooks,
Alberta was conducted involving interviews with racialized immigrants, municipal officials, and
local settlement agency staff. This study found that the primary reason for immigrant settlement
in a smaller city was based on economic or family-related factors. Furthermore, fostering a
sense of belonging is critical for retention, and this can be facilitated through inclusive
community spaces and partnerships between municipalities and communities. Planners should
seek to understand the lived experiences of immigrants in community especially in contexts
undergoing processes of social demographic changes.TRS3 1.1, TRS3 1.2, TRS3 2.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2024-04-01 TRS3 1.1, TRS3 1.2, TRS3 2.1 Building Welcoming Communities: Towards a Framework for Understanding Immigrants’ Lived Experiences in Small and Mid-sized Canadian cities. TRS3 1.1, TRS3 1.2, TRS3 2.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2024-04-24 TRS3 1.1, TRS3 1.2, TRS3 2.1 Welcoming campus, Inclusive community: Building Housing Infrastructure for International Students. TRS3 1.1, TRS3 1.2, TRS3 2.1, TRS3 4.4 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2024-11-06 TRS3 1.1, TRS3 1.2, TRS3 2.1, TRS3 4.4 Stories Matter: Using Photovoice to Amplify Migrants’ Lived Experiences in Small and Mid-sized Canadian Cities. TRS3 1.1, TRS3 2.1, TRS4 1.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2024-08-14 TRS3 1.1, TRS3 2.1, TRS4 1.1 Comparative Place-based Approaches in Immigrant Integration: Unveiling Insights from Non-Traditional Gateway Cities in Canada and the US. Renewing Canada - Migration, Intersections and Evolving Identities
This edition of the Metropolis Identities Summit will focus upon the particular ways in which our society is evolving and what this implies for addressing the needs of the population across varying and intersecting gender, ethnic, racialized, religious, linguistic and other groups. How do we reduce social and economic disadvantage, maximize access to health care and education and promote citizen engagement? How best can we diminish tension between communities, foster dialogue and strengthen intergroup relations? How do we respond to misinformation and disinformation about diversity and migration? The Summit will invite reflection on good practices in combating discrimination, racism and prejudice.TRS3 1.1, TRS3 2.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2024-10-30 TRS3 1.1, TRS3 2.1 Stories Matter: Using Photovoice to Understand Migrants’ Perceived and Lived Experiences in Smaller Canadian Cities. TRS4 1.1, TRS3 4.4 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2023-06-19 TRS4 1.1, TRS3 4.4 Building Inclusive Communities in Immigrant Suburbs: The Negotiation of Space, Place, Power, and Rights. TRS3 1.1, TRS3 2.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2024-11-08 TRS3 1.1, TRS3 2.1 Welcoming Campus, Inclusive Community: Building Housing Infrastructure for International Students. TRS3 4.4 Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2024-04-01 TRS3 4.4 Pathways to Success: Building Support Infrastructures for Internationally Trained Planning Professionals TRS3 1.1, TRS3 4.4 Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2023-04-12 TRS3 1.1, TRS3 4.4 Toronto: Planning for Diversity, Inclusion, and Urban Resilience. Toronto: Cities of Migration. Recent waves of global migration have generated significant and unprecedented changes to metropolitan regions of major immigrant settlement. The impacts on these cities are profound, socially, culturally, economically, politically, physically, and environmentally. As the World Migration Report points out, increasing research has been drawn to the relationship between migrants and cities. [1] Cities are playing an important role in the processes of immigrant settlement and integration, because they are not only the reception areas for newcomers to live, work, learn, play, socialize like any other city inhabitants, but also important places for building diverse, inclusive, resilient, and equitable communities in the long run. It has become imperative for municipalities to understand the dynamics and complexity of the global migration phenomenon and tackle the challenges and opportunities it presents locally. This report highlights the key takeaways from Toronto’s planning practices as part of the Building Inclusive Cities initiative. [1]. Duncan, H. and Popp, I. 2017. Migrants and Cities: Stepping Beyond World Migration Report 1 2015’, in World Migration Report 2018, Geneva: IOM.TRS3 2.1, TRS4 1.1 Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2024-11-08 TRS3 2.1, TRS4 1.1 City-Builder Perspectives on Emerging Housing Opportunities and Challenges TRS3 4.4 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2023-10-10 TRS3 4.4 You Can‘t Google This - Inhabit Podcast Podcast: Erika, Eunice, and Lauren continue their food tour of Toronto‘s North York suburb with food writer Suresh Doss. Inside Dream Yunnan Chòng’s new uptown location, they discover Suresh’s tech roots and get his hot takes on big data’s blind spots. Then Eunice’s mentor and family friend Dr. Zhixi Zhuang shares her keys to planning an emotional city. Also: the Internet of Things.TRS3 1.1, TRS3 1.2, TRS3 2.1, TRS4 1.1, TRS3 4.4 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2023-08-15 TRS3 1.1, TRS3 1.2, TRS3 2.1, TRS4 1.1, TRS3 4.4 Zhuang, Z.C. & Lok, R.T. (2023). Exploring the wellbeing of migrants in third places: An empirical study of smaller Canadian cities. Wellbeing, Space and Society, 4. Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2023-04-25 Zhuang, Z.C. (2023). A place-based approach to understanding immigrant retention and integration in Canadian and American non-traditional gateway cities: A scoping literature review. Journal of International Migration and Integration, 24, 1029-1053. Toronto Metropolitan University Publication 2023-05-12 A concept analysis of transnational healthcare TRS1 1.9 Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Doha for Science and Technology, University of Alberta Activity 2024-11-14 Metersky, K. ,
Guruge, S. ,
Wang, L. ,
Al-Hamad, A. ,
Yasin, Y. ,
Catallo, C. ,
Yang, L. ,
Salma, J. ,
Zhuang, Z. , Monica Chahine, Ayah Al-Anani, Melissa Kirkwood
TRS1 1.9 Transnational healthcare: A concept analysis TRS1 1.9 Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Doha for Science and Technology, University of Alberta Activity 2024-10-24 Metersky, K. ,
Guruge, S. ,
Al-Hamad, A. ,
Yasin, Y. ,
Catallo, C. ,
Wang, L. ,
Yang, L. ,
Zhuang, Z. ,
Salma, J. , Monica Chahine, Ayah Al-Anani, Melissa Kirkwood
TRS1 1.9 Zhuang, Z. C., El Toukhy, M. & Krywulak, J. (2025) International students’ housing struggles and resilience in the GTA: Barriers, Strategies, and Impacts on Wellbeing. Welcoming Campus, Inclusive Community: Building Housing Infrastructure for International TRS3 4.4 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2025-06-16 TRS3 4.4 Zhuang, Z. C., Banerjee, R., Akbar, R., El Toukhy, M., Krywulak, J. (2025). Comparing housing experiences of international and domestic Students in Ontario and Alberta: Preliminary survey findings. Welcoming Campus, Inclusive Community: Building Housing In TRS3 4.4 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2025-06-16 TRS3 4.4 Zhuang, Z. C. (2025). Housing as a Human Right: Addressing Canada's Housing Challenges for International Students. UAA, Vancouver. TRS3 4.4 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2025-04-29 TRS3 4.4 Zhuang, Z. C. (2025). Building inclusive housing infrastructure for international students. In the Panel Session “Navigating Policies and Narratives: Housing, Employment, and Lived Experiences of International Students” that Zhixi Zhuang organized. Metropo TRS3 4.4 Toronto Metropolitan University Activity 2025-03-13 TRS3 4.4
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